Discovery Program Grant Guidelines (2023 Edition)

Administered by Department of Education

Legislation au F2023L01464 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

 

 

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

 

Grant Guidelines made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001

Discovery Program Grant Guidelines – 2023 Edition

 

Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education

 

Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001 - Discovery Program Grant Guidelines –2023 edition

Authority

Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister must approve Australian Research Council (ARC) Grant Guidelines. 

Purpose and effect

The instrument is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2003 (the LA). These Grant Guidelines relate to schemes funded under the Discovery Program of the National Competitive Grants Program. The Discovery Program supports the growth of Australia’s research and innovation capacity, which generates new knowledge resulting in the development of new technologies, products and ideas, the creation of jobs, economic growth and an enhanced quality of life in Australia. In particular, these rules relate to the Discovery Projects scheme.

 

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Discovery Program Grant Guidelines —2023 edition contain:

(a) the eligibility criteria to be met in order for a proposal to be approved for financial assistance (including criteria relating to the kinds of organisation that may receive assistance and the kinds of research programme in respect of which assistance may be provided);

(b) how to apply for financial assistance;

(c) the assessment process for deciding which proposals will be recommended for approval;

(d) the ways in which, and circumstances in which, a funding approval may be varied; and

(e) any additional accountability requirements that the ARC thinks desirable.

In accordance with subsection 59 (4) of the Act, the Discovery Program Grant Guidelines –2023 edition take account of, and are consistent with:

(a) the funding cap for the year, or each of the years, to which the rules apply; and

(b) the funding split determination for the year, or each of the years, to which the rules apply.

 

The Discovery Program Grant Guidelines—2023 edition was approved by the Hon Jason Clare MP on 23 October 2023.

 

Documents incorporated by reference                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The following documents are incorporated by reference:

  •                  ARC Medical Research Policy available on the ARC website
  •                  Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality available on the ARC website
  •                  ARC Open Access Policy available on the ARC website
  •                  Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research available on the NHMRC website
  •                  ARC Research Integrity Policy available on the ARC website

 

Commencement

The Discovery Program Grant Guidelines – 2023 shall take effect on the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. 

 

The provisions include;

These Guidelines contain information relating to the Discovery Program Grant Guidelines – 2023 edition, this includes: grant amount, eligibility, assessment criteria, application process and delivery or grant activities.

Consultation

The ARC consulted with the Department of Finance and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and they have determined the Grant Guidelines as low risk.

 

Regulatory Impact Statement

These Grant Guidelines include a number of measures that reduce regulatory burden on the higher education sector. This includes coordination with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to produce a timeline that minimises the burden on the sector in relation to preparation and submission of proposals.

 

Statement of compatibility with human rights

Section 9(1) of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 requires the rule maker in relation to a legislative instrument to which section 42 (disallowance) of the LA applies to cause a statement of compatibility to be prepared in respect of that legislative instrument.

The legislative instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms. It is compatible with human rights, as it does not raise any human rights issues.

 

Senate Standing Order 23 (4a) – Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation

The Discovery Program Grant Guidelines (2023 edition) is exempt from disallowance because it is an instrument containing a set of rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act) and, Section 10, Item 7 of the Legislation (exemption and other matters) Regulations 2015, relevantly provides that legislative instruments made under section 60 of the ARC Act are not subject to disallowance.

 

The application of section 10, Item 7 of the Legislation (exemption and other matters) Regulations 2015 to the Guidelines, allowing for exemption from disallowance, is appropriate because the legislative instrument was made in accordance with the enabling Act, the Legislation Act and other applicable Acts and does not contain matter more appropriate for an Act of Parliament.

 

Legislation (exemption and other matters) Regulations 2015

 

Section 10 – Particular legislative instruments that are not subject to disallowance

Item 7 – Legislative Instruments

(a)   A rule made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001;

(b)   A variation of a setoff rules made under section 61 of the Act.

 

Overview

The Australian Research Council Act 2001 was enacted to support and facilitate high-quality research and innovation in Australia, aiming to foster economic growth, job creation, and enhanced quality of life through the generation of new knowledge, technologies, products, and ideas. This Act was introduced to address the need for a structured and competitive framework for awarding research grants that would support Australia's research and innovation capacity. The legislation was enacted by the Parliament of Australia, with the Minister for Education having the authority to approve the Grant Guidelines under section 60 of the Act. The policy objective is to ensure that the Discovery Program of the National Competitive Grants Program is administered in a manner that supports the highest standards of research while effectively managing resources to maximise national benefits. The Grant Guidelines, specifically the Discovery Program Grant Guidelines for 2023, were approved by the Hon Jason Clare MP and outline the eligibility criteria, application process, assessment criteria, and other relevant details necessary for administering the grant program in accordance with the Act.

Scope and Application

The Discovery Program Grant Guidelines 2023 Edition applies to entities and individuals seeking financial assistance through the Discovery Program of the Australian Research Council (ARC), specifically under the Discovery Projects scheme. These guidelines apply to research projects that aim to generate new knowledge and contribute to Australia’s research and innovation capacity, leading to economic growth and enhanced quality of life. Eligible applicants include researchers, research institutions, and eligible corporate entities, provided they meet the specified eligibility criteria. The guidelines apply nationally across Australia, as the Discovery Program is a Commonwealth-funded initiative. However, the guidelines also take into account any specific funding caps and splits determined for the relevant financial year, as outlined in subsection 59(4) of the Australian Research Council Act 2001. The guidelines are exempt from disallowance under Section 10, Item 7 of the Legislation (exemption and other matters) Regulations 2015, as they are made in accordance with the enabling Act and do not contain matters more appropriate for an Act of Parliament. The guidelines incorporate other policies and documents by reference, such as the ARC Medical Research Policy, Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality policy, and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Discovery Program Grant Guidelines—2023 edition, issued under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001, establish the framework for eligibility, application, assessment, and funding variations for the Discovery Projects scheme. These guidelines (sections 59(2) and 59(4)) specify eligibility criteria for organisations and research programmes, the application process, the assessment criteria, the process for varying funding approvals, and any additional accountability requirements deemed necessary by the ARC. Furthermore, these guidelines take into account funding caps and splits for the applicable years, ensuring alignment with broader financial strategies (section 59(4)). Under these guidelines, various obligations and requirements are imposed on the parties and entities they govern. Eligible organisations must meet specific criteria to be considered for financial assistance, ensuring that the research projects align with national objectives of innovation, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life. The application process is detailed, guiding applicants through the necessary steps to submit a complete and compliant proposal. The assessment process is rigorous, involving peer review to ensure the quality and potential impact of the proposed research. Additionally, there are provisions for modifying funding approvals if circumstances change, ensuring flexibility and accountability. There are no explicit offences or penalties mentioned in the guidelines, but non-compliance with the stipulated criteria and processes could result in a proposal being rejected or a funding approval being revoked. While the guidelines do not detail specific penalties, the consequences of non-compliance could be significant, potentially impacting the ability of the organisation to receive future funding. The guidelines are designed to maintain high standards of research integrity and responsible conduct, as reflected in the incorporated policies such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the ARC Research Integrity Policy. The guidelines also ensure compatibility with human rights, as they do not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms, thus being compatible with human rights. Moreover, the exemption from disallowance under Section 10, Item 7 of the Legislation (exemption and other matters) Regulations 2015, indicates that these guidelines are appropriate and made in accordance with the enabling Act and other applicable Acts, ensuring they do not contain matters more suitable for an Act of Parliament. This regulatory framework aims to support Australia's research and innovation capacity effectively and efficiently.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.